We can finally share some fantastic news, Options in Life is one of 231 UK charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations to receive the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer organisations to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Options in Life was approached by the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, over a year ago, to say how inspired he was by our work and to suggest that we apply for the award. After several months of going through a rigorous application process, we were left to wait in hope.
After months of waiting, we recently received the great news that we are an exemplary organisations and have won the 2025 award. This award mean so much to Options in Life as it proves that what we do is truly great and gives us the energy and motivation to continue to develop the charity, to support more young adults from across Fife.
Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. We are among a wonderfully diverse group of winners from across the UK, such as a group of dog walkers clearing up their local area in Kincardineshire; 6 a group providing unique flying experiences for people with disabilities in Hampshire; A group providing support to veterans and their families across Welsh Valley communities; a group running a museum and nonprofit railway in Belfast, preserving Northern Ireland’s railway heritage.
Options in Life will receive the award crystal and certificate from Robert Balfour, Lord-Lieutenant of Fife in the coming months. In addition, a small group from Options in life will attend a Royal Garden Party at Holyroodhouse in July 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
Jim Blyth (Chair of Options in Life) said, on behalf of the Trustees,: “I am absolutely delighted that Options in Life has been recognised as an exemplary voluntary organisation. Not many charities can boast about this, and we are thrilled to accept this accolade.
Options in Life is constantly working to find new ways to support our groups and we are currently refurbishing a building in Cupar that will offer more people across Fife access to our services. The building will have a community café, activity and learning spaces, training kitchen and sensory room, along with a drop-in centre for those with learning disabilities and additional support needs.
But none of what we could do would be possible without the hard work and commitment of our volunteers and wider team.”
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